Chasing A Dream: The Underground Series

Artist Spotlight – MIME ft Shareece Williams

The underground art scene thrives on raw energy, unfiltered creativity, and the voices of those who refuse to conform to mainstream expectations. It is a world where artists craft their identities with intention, exploring sound, visuals, and narratives that challenge the status quo. In this edition of Chasing A Dream: The Underground Series, I had the privilege of sitting down with MIME, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans poetry, music production, and storytelling. MIME’s journey is one of self-discovery, persistence, and a deep love for art that speaks beyond words.

Every artist’s name carries weight, but MIME’s moniker feels almost spiritual. “The creation of the name MIME came to me one day when I simply asked the universe for help,” MIME explains. Before sharing their art on Substack, MIME was on a quest to define their voice, experimenting with different platforms and mediums. Their early work revolved around manifestation, self-expression, and movement.

“A mime uses their body to create visuals or the illusion of a visual,” they continue. “As an artist, I use different mediums to create worlds and express the ideas that matter to me. When you read one of my poems or listen to one of my instrumentals, know that it is me completely uncensored. I’m inviting the viewer/listener into my world.”

MIME’s influences range from electronic pioneers to hip-hop visionaries, forming a complex sonic palette that defies easy categorization. At the top of their list is Flying Lotus. “I remember sitting in a friend’s house about to watch The Boondocks when it was first airing. Adult Swim had these ‘bumps’—little musical interludes before the show started. Flying Lotus was featured, and when I heard Massage Situation, it blew my mind.”

It was a revelation. “Even though there were no words, it still felt like the song was talking to me. I sensed that FlyLo was trying to say something with that instrumental or maybe just creating another world for the listener. Either way, I was inspired.”

Nujabes is another cornerstone in MIME’s musical DNA. The late Japanese producer, known for blending jazz and hip-hop into dreamlike soundscapes, left a lasting impact. MIME also credits Björk for expanding their understanding of experimental music. “When I first listened to Hunter, I thought, ‘This is wild and off-beat!’ But my friend told me to keep listening. Eventually, it all clicked.”

Like any dedicated artist, MIME’s music has undergone significant transformation. Their early works were raw, exploratory, and deeply personal. “When I first began creating music in high school, it was ‘experimental’ to say the least,” MIME laughs. “But I had a vision of where I wanted the music to go.”

MIME’s growth as an artist coincided with a changing industry. “This was at a time when streaming wasn’t king, and music consumption was different. Finding fresh new artists was like searching for a diamond! When you found one, you absorbed it completely.”

As their sound evolved, MIME found a balance between atmospheric pads, intricate drum patterns, and haunting samples. “Learning to blend my love for pads and atmosphere with gorgeous samples sent me in a completely different direction.”

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For MIME, creativity isn’t something that can be scheduled—it is a continuous process. “I carry a notebook everywhere I go. If I forget it, my notes app is always ready. So many times, I’ve told myself, ‘I’ll write it down later,’ only to forget that I even had that ‘AMAZING IDEA’ in the first place.”

Their advice? “CARRY A FIELD NOTES BOOK EVERYWHERE! Or keep that notes app at the ready. It’s so important! Random thoughts will turn into random sentences, which will then turn into other random poems, songs, paintings, drawings.”

Music production follows a similar pattern. “Sometimes a song starts from a drum pattern and grows into something else. Other times, a single sample changes the entire genre I was originally going for.”

To MIME, the underground art scene is more than just a space—it’s a community. “The underground scene is a cool place where nobody is invited, but everyone is invited! There’s no password. All you need to do is show up as yourself.”

This space has allowed them to fully embrace their artistry. “I have an outlet now, and I feel safe to be myself. I’ve met really dope artists who share some of the same goals and desires I do—the desire to create something completely unique. Work that changes people’s hearts.”

MIME’s relationship with their audience is built on a foundation of mutual understanding. “I listen to what they have to say about any of my projects. I enjoy feedback and try to see my work from their perspective.”

By stepping outside their own ego, MIME finds new dimensions in their art. “By doing this, I discover parts of myself I never noticed before.”

MIME’s creative output shows no signs of slowing down. “Right now, there’s Evening Tape and Morning Tape. I do have another music project I’m working on. I don’t know what kind of ‘TAPE’ it’s going to be this time, though.”

Beyond music, they are also venturing into the literary world. “I’m in the process of completing my first book of poetry. I have no clue what I’m doing, so this quest should be very exciting and fun!”

MIME’s advice to up-and-coming creatives is simple yet profound: “Forget about what you think other people want to see and create what you want to see.”

They emphasize the importance of authenticity. “Every time you’re about to create, think of this.”

For MIME, the artistic journey has been one of personal evolution. “With artistic expression, I’ve been able to heal parts of myself and become the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

Their final thoughts reflect a newfound appreciation for the present. “My perspective on life right now is to slow down and enjoy the moment. There is so much you will experience and see by being still. Being with your own thoughts. It’s scary but necessary for growth.”

MIME’s journey exemplifies what Chasing A Dream is all about—raw passion, fearless creativity, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression. As they continue to carve their path in the underground art scene, their work serves as a reminder that true artistry is about breaking boundaries and staying true to one’s vision.

Follow MIME’s journey on Substack and stay tuned for their upcoming projects—because this is just the beginning.